COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY ARTEMISIA GENTILESCHI?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic paintings by Artemisia Gentileschi may be rare, every work deserves to be evaluated on its own merits rather than dismissed simply because it is unfamiliar or undocumented. Indeed, an important Gentileschi painting that had remained in a private family collection for generations emerged on the Paris art market only in 2017.

If you believe your painting may be by Artemisia Gentileschi, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Artemisia Gentileschi since 2002. We issue Certificates of Authenticity (COAs), Authentication Reports, appraisals, valuations, provenance reports, and provide buying, selling, brokerage, and investment advisory services for collectors, attorneys, insurers, financial institutions, estates, museums, and private clients worldwide.

Getting started is straightforward. Simply send us photographs of the painting together with its dimensions and any information you have regarding its history or ownership. After reviewing the material, we will recommend the most appropriate course of action.

AUTHENTICATION

Is this an Artemisia Gentileschi?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Gentileschi’s work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression may not be definitive because attribution can depend on close examination of technique, materials, condition, provenance, and the relationship to securely attributed paintings.

What services do you provide?

We provide authentication, certification, Certificates of Authenticity (COAs), Authentication Reports, appraisals and valuations, provenance research, private sales and brokerage, investment advice, and analytical art market research.

Is it possible to discover a previously unknown Artemisia Gentileschi today?

Yes. Previously unknown Gentileschi paintings can still emerge from private collections: her Self Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria was unknown before appearing on the Paris art market in 2017 after having remained in one family for generations.

Do I need to get my Artemisia Gentileschi authenticated?

Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell your painting for its full market value. It is also important for insurance, estate planning, charitable donations, financing, and many legal purposes.

Is it complicated to get an Artemisia Gentileschi authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of the surface, signatures or inscriptions, the dimensions, and anything you know about the painting’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate an Artemisia Gentileschi?

It depends on how much is already known about the painting when we begin the investigation. In the simplest cases, authenticity can be confirmed within a couple of weeks. More complex cases may require several months.

How much does it cost to authenticate an Artemisia Gentileschi?

From the low hundreds to the high thousands. It depends on how much is already known and documented, where relevant archives are located, and whether travel or scientific testing is required.

Can a signature alone prove that an Artemisia Gentileschi painting is authentic?

No. Gentileschi frequently signed paintings, and signatures and inscriptions can provide important evidence, but they must be considered together with the painting’s technique, materials, provenance, and other characteristics.

Can an unsigned Artemisia Gentileschi painting still be authentic?

Yes. Although Gentileschi frequently signed paintings, not every accepted work bears her signature. The absence of a signature therefore does not by itself establish that a painting is inauthentic.

What documents help authenticate an Artemisia Gentileschi painting?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the painting may assist the authentication. Photographs, invoices, correspondence, exhibition records, restoration or conservation reports, insurance documents, auction records, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.

Can an Artemisia Gentileschi painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study composition, paint handling, surface characteristics, signatures, inscriptions, condition, and other important details remotely. When additional evidence is required, we may recommend an in-person examination. We examine works worldwide.

Is it always necessary to perform scientific analyses of an Artemisia Gentileschi?

No. Many paintings can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing is generally reserved for more difficult cases when questions remain concerning the age or composition of the support, ground, pigments, or other materials.

What if my Artemisia Gentileschi has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common and does not automatically exclude a painting from serious consideration. When provenance is incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on research, technical examination, photography, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Artemisia Gentileschi works?

Yes. Upon completion of the authentication, we issue a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) together with a detailed and fully referenced Authentication Report.

APPRAISALS & VALUATIONS

How much is my Artemisia Gentileschi painting worth?

We will appraise your painting and determine its value. Important factors include attribution, period, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, quality, and current market demand.

SELLING

Can you sell my Artemisia Gentileschi for me?

Yes. We specialize in private sales but use every appropriate selling method to obtain the highest possible net price. We manage the process professionally, confidentially, and on your behalf.

Do I need an appraisal before selling my Artemisia Gentileschi?

Yes. Your painting should be priced correctly for the country, market, and method of sale. An independent appraisal helps prevent both underpricing and overpricing.

Do I need authentication before selling my Artemisia Gentileschi?

Yes. Without authentication, your painting may sell for only a fraction of its potential market value.

Can you help me maximize the selling price of my Artemisia Gentileschi?

Yes. Authentication, provenance, valuation, timing, presentation, and the chosen sales method can all influence the final result. We also provide collection management advice designed to maximize value.

Should I restore my Artemisia Gentileschi before selling it?

Usually not. Buyers often have their own preferences regarding conservation and restoration. We generally recommend selling the painting in its present condition unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise.

How long does it take to sell an Artemisia Gentileschi?

Higher-value paintings generally require more time to sell because there are fewer qualified buyers. Correct pricing, strong documentation, and the appropriate sales method all contribute to a successful sale.

BUYING & ADVISORY

Should I buy an Artemisia Gentileschi?

If you enjoy Gentileschi’s paintings, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition and alternative opportunities.

Can you review an Artemisia Gentileschi before I buy it?

Yes. We provide independent pre-purchase research and analysis for collectors and investors. We also prepare predictive art market forecasts and Buy-Hold-Sell recommendations.

What should I check before buying an Artemisia Gentileschi?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For a Gentileschi painting, attribution and provenance deserve particularly careful examination.

How can I avoid buying a fake Artemisia Gentileschi?

Call us before you buy. An independent review before completing the purchase is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of acquiring a forged or misattributed painting.

Can you advise me on building a collection?

Yes. We advise collectors on the financial aspects of acquisition, ownership, collection management, and eventual sale.

REQUEST AN ARTEMISIA GENTILESCHI AUTHENTICATION OR APPRAISAL

Whether you require authentication, a Certificate of Authenticity, an appraisal, valuation, provenance research, buying advice, selling assistance, brokerage, or investment guidance regarding a work attributed to Artemisia Gentileschi, our specialists are available to assist.

Complete the contact form below or call us at +1 (212) 658-0466 to discuss your work with one of our experts.